Report: MSU’s Koenning accepts Texas job

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State offensive coordinator Les Koenning has accepted the wide receivers coaching position at his alma mater, Texas, according to Orangebloods.com, the Texas affiliate of Rivals.com.

Koenning had been MSU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past five seasons. During that span he guided the Bulldogs’ offense to three of the top five seasons statistically in school history.

In 2013, State set the school’s mark averaging 434.4 yards per game, shattering the previous record of 422 set in 1982.

The past five years were Koenning’s second stint in Starkville, having previously served as running backs and wide receivers coach for the Bulldogs from 1986-89.

Koenning has also served as offensive coordinator at South Alabama (2008-09), Texas A&M (2003-07), Alabama (2001-02), Houston (1999) and Duke (1998).

The 54-year old native of Houston, Texas played wide receiver for the Longhorns from 1977-80 and spent time in Austin as a graduate assistant from 1981-83. Koenning received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas.

Koenning’s hire completes Charlie Strong’s staff at Texas. His departure leaves Mullen with just tight ends coach Scott Sallach, offensive line coach John Hevesy and safeties coach Tony Hughes as the remaining members from his initial staff.

Defensive line coach David Turner was a member of Mullen’s first staff but returned last season after a three-year stint at Kentucky.

Koenning becomes the second coordinator Mullen has lost to the Longhorns. Former defensive coordinator Manny Diazleft to take the same position at Texas following the 2010 season.